New Year’s Foodie Resolutions

Quench couldn’t let the turning of a decade go by without setting some extra-special foodie resolutions. Words by Ellie Hutchings For the last couple of years, Veganuary has had a surge in popularity. As a vegetarian already, it seemed only natural that I give it go. I know a handful of people whoÔÇÖve become full-time vegans after trying Veganuary and, for me, thatÔÇÖs all the … Continue reading New Year’s Foodie Resolutions

Cinderella: The Fairy Godmother of All Pantomimes | Theatre Review

By Laura Dazon and Mary Stephanie Israel Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà As an international student in the UK, I have been surprised many times by aspects of the British culture (seriously, please stop putting beans everywhere). But if anyone had told me about pantomimes before, I would have been a much happier person. The bright blue posters for the show are everywhere on the streets … Continue reading Cinderella: The Fairy Godmother of All Pantomimes | Theatre Review

The Godmother | Theatre Review

By Devika Sunand Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà This pantomime will take you on a roller coaster of fun, laughter and entertainment with its amazing storyline and perfect mix of music, lights, costumes and yes, not to forget, the super cool audience. A must-watch show written, directed and performed by the talented members of Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs Act One Drama Society, ‘The Godmother’ takes us back … Continue reading The Godmother | Theatre Review

How do you stay creative? 8 Tips to Find Your Inspiration Again

By Rhiannon Humphreys ItÔÇÖs a timeless struggle for all creatives ÔÇô how does one stay inspired and motivated on the days where your mind seems to be blank and your ideas run dry? ItÔÇÖs hard enough when your art is just a personal (unmonetized) passion, but even harder when your job requires you to pump out content on command. IÔÇÖm a poet, and lately IÔÇÖve … Continue reading How do you stay creative? 8 Tips to Find Your Inspiration Again

Behind The Label | Theatre Review

By Pratiksha Pathak Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà During this festive time, where everything is about joy, love, lights and hope, the performance of ‘Behind The Label’ at the Wales Millennium Centre took us away from all the sparkle and glitter for a few hours. The 120-minute show by Theatre Versus Oppression sheds light on the harsh reality of the lives of homeless people. While traditional festive … Continue reading Behind The Label | Theatre Review

Book Review: Impeccable

By Will Humphrey Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà If you are a fan of Ronan BennettÔÇÖs gritty, unpredictable crime thriller Toy Boy, then I would highly recommend Jameel SandhamÔÇÖs crime novel Impeccable. SandhamÔÇÖs narrative follows a similar road to BennettÔÇÖs exploring the dark underworld of drug dealing ÔÇô thriving on the highs and trying to survive in a world of enemies.   The story draws on the … Continue reading Book Review: Impeccable

Anonymity In Art | For and Against

In a world dominated by social media, where everything seems to be public and privacy is a tricky subject, where should we stand in regards to the anonymity of well-known artists? Transparency can be key to building a relationship with fans, but what happens when anonymity is the key to success? Our contributors Molly Sedgemore and Sabrina Sherchan discuss both sides of the debate.┬á   … Continue reading Anonymity In Art | For and Against

The Girl On The Train | Theatre Review

By Elly Savva ÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿà Although following the classic murder mystery story arc, what really entices the audience into this particular story is the venture it allows you into the messiest parts of peoples lives. From just the 12th to the 16th of November, The Girl on The Train is stopping at the New Theatre in Cardiff. Under the direction of Anthony Banks, the story has … Continue reading The Girl On The Train | Theatre Review

Hela | Theatre Review

By Pratiksha Patak Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Hela, by the up-and-coming playwright Mari Izzard, is the closing segment in the Other RoomÔÇÖs Violence Series. It gives a glimpse into a dystopian world, and is the most violent indeed since it involves children. Its themes, visuals, characters and wordplay are certainly not for the faint-hearted. The two characters Hugh, played by Gwydion Rhys, and Erin, played … Continue reading Hela | Theatre Review

Hedda Gabler | Theatre Review

By Elly Savva ÔÿàÔÿàÔÿàÔÿà As somebody who was infatuated with Henrik IbsenÔÇÖs Dollshouse, I jumped on the opportunity to watch the Sherman TheatreÔÇÖs production of its darker sister play Hedda Gabler. Under the vision of Chelsea Walker, the production takes a new stylistic direction, leaving the audience dazzled and spellbound. It is not the type of performance that you can enjoy from the comfort of … Continue reading Hedda Gabler | Theatre Review

The Place I Call Home | Photography Exhibition Review

By Sarah Anne Griffiths ÔÇÿHomeÔÇÖ is a word which embodies many things: a sense of comfort and closure, protection within four walls; home is a place where you should feel most yourself, most at ease and free to express yourself without inhibitions. FfotogalleryÔÇÖs latest photography exhibition embodies these characteristics in a cross-cultural photographic exploration of what ÔÇÿhomeÔÇÖ is within and around various GCC countries as … Continue reading The Place I Call Home | Photography Exhibition Review

Diagnosis is Victory: A No-BS Guide to Cardiff’s Mental Healthcare

By Mike O’Brien Trigger Warning: This content contains information and reference to mental illness and suicide. If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues or the content discussed, please call the Samaritan’s 24 hour hotline on 116 123. The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offers support to men between 17:00 and 00:00 on 0800 58 58 58. An introduction ThisÔÇÖll be … Continue reading Diagnosis is Victory: A No-BS Guide to Cardiff’s Mental Healthcare

Photography Season 19-20 at the National Museum | Review

By Sarah Anne Griffiths The National MuseumÔÇÖs latest photography exhibition includes work curated by four of the most prestigious photographers within the photography world. Upon attending the press preview of the exhibition it became apparent that Cardiff, and Wales as a whole, is truly honoured to have such important photographic work on display in our capital city. One of the four photographers is August Sander. … Continue reading Photography Season 19-20 at the National Museum | Review

Frankenstein | Theatre Review

By Rhian Lock Ôÿà Ôÿà As a big fan of Gothic horror and theatre respectively, Rona MunroÔÇÖs theatrical reworking of Frankenstein was a show that I had been desperate to catch. Rather than leaving Mary Shelley – the author of Frankenstein – behind the pen, Munro transports her into the play itself, lending her the driving narrative. Eilidh Loan is zany as Shelley, manically whizzing … Continue reading Frankenstein | Theatre Review

On Your Feet! | Theatre Review

By Charlie Sawyer and Natascha Ng Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Coming to Cardiff from Broadway, On Your Feet! brings the Latino passion and spirit of Gloria Estefan to the stage once again. This production follows the story of Estefan’s rise to fame. From her Cuban origins and the streets of Miami to finally capturing her world-wide success on the global stage.  The production centres in on … Continue reading On Your Feet! | Theatre Review

Grease | Theatre Review

by Andrea Drobna Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà First seen on stage in 1971, Grease the musical features a group of teenagers tackling their last year of high school, battling with issues surrounding bullying, adolescence, and sexuality. Set in 1959, the musical portrays the teen culture of the time where boys rocked greased back hair and leather jackets, and girls sported candy-floss hair and frilly dresses. The … Continue reading Grease | Theatre Review

Graphic Novel Review: Isadora

By Vittoria Zerbini Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Isadora, written by Julie Birmant and illustrated by Cl├®ment Oubrerie, is a graphic novel depicting the life and scandals of the ÔÇÿMother of Modern DanceÔÇÖ Isadora Duncan (published by SelfMadeHero, paperback, 144 pages). Isadora was born in America and by the age of 22 she became an acclaimed dancer throughout Europe. Her fame was due to the visceral, free-flowing … Continue reading Graphic Novel Review: Isadora

Rigoletto at the Millennium Centre: WNO embraces the #MeToo movement in iconic new setting of VerdiÔÇÖs masterpiece | Review

by Andrea Gaini Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà Ôÿà The Welsh National Opera is well-known for bold and often politically active productions, and this yearÔÇÖs Autumn Season is especially rich of sensational themes with both Carmen and Rigoletto carrying powerful messages. James MacDonaldÔÇÖs adaptation of Rigoletto to the KennedyÔÇÖs era embraces the core ideologies and beliefs shared by the #MeToo movement in retelling the story of the … Continue reading Rigoletto at the Millennium Centre: WNO embraces the #MeToo movement in iconic new setting of VerdiÔÇÖs masterpiece | Review